by Stone, Piper
“Go. Go!” she yelled over the roar, wrapping her arms around me as I started the engine. “Do you know how to drive this thing?”
I shifted, immediately pressing my foot on the accelerator. I’d studied the crude piece for a solid hour, learning every nuance. I’d seen them in action several times during my time spent at the military colony. What the humans had no way of knowing was that I’d learned as much from them as they had from the Volkodans.
That would help with the Scorpion’s downfall.
Annabella hunkered against me as I drove through the wall of fire, immediately heading for the path leading away from the building. If her accounting of what had occurred years before was accurate, the primitive road would ultimately lead in the direction of the military colony and perhaps the great city he’d supposedly built.
There was more than one task to finish.
The jungle was oppressive, the humidity from the recent rain almost suffocating. I was well aware we weren’t alone, at least two dozen soldiers positioned in strategic locations. While they didn’t approach, I also sensed they were armed. At least the ATV was functioning properly, the wide expanse of the headlight allowing me to maneuver with ease.
I was able to keep my distance from the oncoming soldiers, my keen hearing picking up on several vehicles less than a half mile away. They were purposely encircling us.
I weaved through the dense foliage, the path narrowing after only thirty minutes. By the point the makeshift road ceased, I’d gathered a sense of our location. Unfortunately, the remainder of the drive would be perilous, going directly up the side of the mountain.
With every few hundred feet, the jungle became more oppressive, hindering any decent speed. I was forced to slow then stop, allowing the engine to idle. As I tipped my head, taking a deep whiff of the air, I finally realized exactly what was happening. I’d been in similar situations while hunting for enemies, initially tracking then surrounding and forcing them to go in the direction of my choice.
Directly into an ambush.
The soldiers had been herding us, keeping their distance but knowing that I was keenly aware of their presence. We were to be captured.
“What are you doing?”
“Listening.”
Annabella shifted away, taking several deep breaths. “They’re close.”
“Yes.”
“But keeping their distance. They are merely biding their time.”
For now.
“They’re waiting for you to secure the capacitor.”
“Yes, and if I am correct, the hidden location is only a few hundred yards away. We go by foot. The terrain is too rough for the vehicle.” After cutting the engine, I eased off the ATV, scanning the area as she trailed behind.
“How did the Scorpion learn that the Quantum Unit wouldn’t work?”
I shook my head. “I was arrogant enough to make certain he knew the item he’d coveted so dearly wouldn’t respond to his direction. His arrogance allowed him to believe he would master it without issue.”
“I have to ask you, why are you falling into the Scorpion’s hands?” Her gentle touch created a series of tremors all throughout my body.
“Because we have no other choice. The enemy must be faced in order for this to end.”
“I don’t want to lose you, Draziak. I... I love you.”
There were no more powerful words than the ones she said to me. I crowded her space, cupping her cheek. As I slowly brushed my thumb back and forth across her heated skin, my desire was ready to bridge the surface, but I realized that even more than the longing, I felt a deep emotion that rattled every part of me. “And I love you, little human. We will do our best to defeat the Scorpion, but you must trust me and do as I say.”
She nuzzled against my hand, exhaling before answering. “I will, but I can’t promise I won’t kill the bastard if I have the chance.”
I couldn’t help but chuckle given her tenacity. “Then so be it. Now, we go.”
“There is more to this game,” she whispered.
Of that I was certain. “I understand.”
“There is also more I need to remember.”
Her words were haunting, but I realized she was right.
She continued shaking as she reached into the bag she’d carried, removing one of the weapons she’d taken. I would allow her the comfort, even though her efforts would prove to be futile with the kind of army the Scorpion had amassed. He’d obviously used his time wisely during my incarceration, building another group of loyal subjects, ones who followed orders without question.
“What you will see me do will confuse you, but I know what I am doing.” We were close. That much I knew. What I would discover was something else entirely. “Turn off the light.”
This time, she obeyed without question, a single click pitching us into the darkness. My eyes adjusted easily, able to see every insect crawling along the base of several trees, and the snakes winding their way through the copious thick vines. There was danger all around us, but none as troubling as the soldiers who continued to keep their distance. I had no doubt their equipment allowed them to secure our location, specialized gear giving them the opportunity to see the heated outline of our bodies clearly.
I could feel her presence behind me, her hand wrapped around the thick shirt she’d found for me to wear. As I headed deeper into the thickest part of the jungle, I inhaled, recognizing several odors. Decay. Flowers. Moss.
Death.
Years before, I’d had limited time in order to try to protect the capacitor. I could only hope that the location I’d selected hadn’t been compromised. An eerie quiet settled in, only the sounds of the night crawling predators evident. The stench of several recent kills assaulted my senses, the coppery taste of blood filling my mouth. This outpost was a brutal and vicious world, every lifeform forced to adapt to killing in order to maintain their way of life.
Perhaps the Volkodans were more alike with homo sapiens than our species would care to believe.
As I trudged through the underbrush, several conversations with my father entered my mind, his warning regarding humans strident.
And in my mind, far too well thought out.
I’d never questioned him or his tactics in providing leadership to our planet, the man revered like a God. Sadly, I was well aware he’d kept several dark secrets, portions of his life aspects he refused to discuss.
Why did I have the distinct feeling that I’d been led to this world? If so, for what purpose?
As the treacherous walk continued, I became even more cognizant of the existing danger. I knew that soon I’d be forced to make a difficult decision. I only hoped that my choice would force the Scorpion’s hand.
I scanned the area as the sound of running water filtered into my ears, the bank of boulders near the edge of the precipice coming into view.
Annabella crowded my space, her ragged breathing due to fear of the unknown. She remained quiet as I dropped to my knees, even though the weapon remained planted firmly in her hand.
I extended my arm, closing my eyes as I concentrated on generating the needed power. My entire body shook from the exertion of what I was attempting. I was now certain that whatever drug the Scorpion’s medical team had given me had permanently altered my genetics, curtailing my strength. What would have taken me seconds to accomplish now took minutes. As the heat generated in my arm, my frustration increased, my mind reeling from a boosted level of rage.
The single flash that was finally produced was followed by a swift rumble of the ground beneath us. Only when a slight hiss produced another glowing mass did I realize the capacitor had remained protected from the elements of the ground as well as the danger of man. The beautiful crystal display was intact, shielded by elements of the strongest mineral forged on our planet.
“That’s incredible,” she half whispered, crouching down beside me.
“And valuable.”
I moved to a standing position, cradling the small bo
x as I gazed up at the limited view of the dark sky. Even the giant orb the humans called a moon was barely visible, although I felt the pull of its power, much like I did the sun.
“Given we’re surrounded, how are we going to find the Scorpion?” Annabella asked quietly.
“There is only one way.” I hesitated, running my fingers across the box. I turned to face her, capturing every element of her beautiful face. I’d come to respect her in the short time we’d been together, almost as much as the desire that would forever burn. I wanted nothing more than to be able to shift time, erasing the horrors she must have gone through, but even my abilities couldn’t eradicate what had occurred.
I wanted to be the kind of man she needed. Perhaps I was just a fool.
“We go back to the ATV and we search. We can outrun the bastards. I know we can.”
I cupped her face once again, enjoying every moment of spending time with her. “I could learn about this emotion called love, Annabella. I could easily share a life with you.”
“Then maybe we can.”
The ache in my hearts was unusual, a tightening that made it difficult to breathe. I was more troubled than I could admit, but there was no other choice. “No, it is not what can happen.” I took two purposeful steps away from her, allowing my gaze to sweep up and down her lovely body.
“What does that mean, Draziak? Talk to me. Don’t try to be a hero. You can’t win against a monster like the Scorpion, no matter your incredible abilities.” She took a step closer until I lifted my palm, allowing a small stream of crimson light to hinder her advance, momentarily paralyzed.
“My beautiful human. I hope one day you can forgive me.” I moved closer to the rock’s edge, peering over at the magnificent waterfall. As I eased the capacitor into my hand, I held it into the air.
A powerful burst of shimmering light shot toward the stars, the beam several miles wide. There was a moment of joy releasing into my system, a quietness of peace that I hadn’t experienced in several years.
Within minutes I heard the rumble of motors as they approached, soldiers who would allow me to end the nightmare.
And in those seconds before capture, an explosion of emotion filtered into my soul.
I believe I understand love, little human, the wonderful magic of deep emotions that will never be fully explained. You will forever be mine, if only in memory.
A series of bright lights permeated the jungle, a familiar roar of engines within close proximity. Doors slammed shut, the sound of heavy boots followed by the clicking of weaponry.
Soldiers ready to fire.
When I turned around, the sea of soldiers began to part and within seconds, the sight of the Scorpion came into clear view.
As he walked closer, his expression one of victory, he began to clap.
“Well done, Commander Zecon. You performed exactly as I’d expected. A different kind of imprisonment will be your reward.”
* * *
Clang. Clang. Clang.
Draziak. Where are you? I need you.
“Mmm...” The voice... Her voice. Tired. I was so very tired.
I snarled, directing the Com station to a clear picture of the galaxy we were in. In close proximity was a planet I’d seen only in our educational sessions. “We veered off course.”
“We had to, Commander. I’m sorry. The navigation systems continued to show we were on course until zero-one-thousand hours.”
Veering off course to this degree meant the lieutenant had been well aware of issues for some time. I glared at the giant orb, shaking my head.
Too much time had passed, allowing the situation to become more severe. At some point I would deal with his infraction, but at this point, we had no other recourse. We were going to be forced to land on a distant planet controlled by members of the human race.
The vile planet contained even more primitive people than any we’d fought so far. I was disgusted, incensed that our own systems had failed us. “Wake the others and prepare for a crash landing, and Lieutenant, do not fail me again.”
“Yes, Commander. I’ll do my best at making certain we stay in one piece.” After saluting, he walked away, leaving me very much alone.
I slammed my hand on the console before leaving the area, heading toward my quarters. Seven months of stasis. My orders disobeyed. I knew my ship, the capabilities that could keep her protected against almost any attack.
We had a saboteur on board.
After the door slid closed, I moved to my private communications unit. If what I believed was true, the system wouldn’t have been detected, a protection I’d insisted on having installed before leaving.
Within seconds, I realized I was right, although the range capability was inferior to the main system. If the communication was even received, the encrypted module could take months, if not years to reach Tretonia. However, I had no other choice.
As preparations for landing on Bellenia began in earnest, the lighting system flashed, the alarm sent off to every deck on the ship. I pressed record, my anger increasing.
“This is Commander Draziak Zecon of the battleship Rendoza from the Coalition planet of Tretonia. We are under attack, our ship crippled, the location galaxy 7-9-2. We are forced to land on the inhabited outpost colony called Bellenia. It is my hope that the ship can be repaired. This is a request for assistance from any and all Coalition colonies. Please note that humans should be considered hostile. Given our communication system has been destroyed, this will likely be my last transition. Commander Zecon out.”
A single module. Used for emergencies only. The possibility that one of our enemies could engage if I released the communication was high, but in my mind, there was no other choice. With a single press of my hand, my fingers scanned for authenticity, the module was sent.
I immediately moved to my container, selecting the appropriate attire for an unexpected visitation of a rural planet. Then I stood in front of the reflection pool, staring at the commanding officer who’d allowed this to happen. I could no longer recognize the man standing before me. The consequences of my actions would be severe.
I brushed my hands down my uniform as I walked to the highly secured vault. There were two people who’d been given access to the room, myself included. As I waited until I was allowed entrance, my anger continued to swell.
The box holding the Quantum Unit was exactly where I’d placed it.
However, the unit itself was missing.
I’d been correct in my assumptions. I gathered all my strength, allowing the anger of betrayal to sweep through every cell and muscle.
As the roar of the engines began to slow, I took a deep breath, taking long strides toward the bridge.
“Commander on board,” the lieutenant immediately said, moving to a standing position.
“Are we prepared for landing?” I asked.
“Yes, sir.”
There was no hesitation as I lifted my hand, releasing the flow of crimson light. As the lieutenant fell, I knew that the trip to the outward planet had been planned, executed in order to sabotage our species. The only question that remained was by whom?
I struggled to open my eyes, pain tearing through me. I shifted, another round of intense agony roaring into my system. Had my father had a part of this? I was shocked from the memory, anger keeping me on edge. “Anna-bel-la.” The hollowness of my voice was unusual. I forced myself to lift my head, taking shallow breaths. My mouth and throat were parched, my entire body weak.
But the memory was fresh, at least a portion of the missing link I’d felt all along. I’d been betrayed by one of my own, but I knew the lieutenant hadn’t acted alone. He was following another set of orders.
The moment I attempted to move, I realized I was in shackles. Rage embroiled every cell and system in my body, my mind still swimming up from the fog. I also realized that I was being watched, cameras easily visible. “Scorpion.” The single word echoed in the chamber. I could still hear Annabella’s voice inside my mind, call
ing for me, begging me to find her.
I rattled my chains again, unable to break them as I’d done before.
“Scorpion!”
While I’d taken the chance allowing him to secure the capacitor, he would have no way of knowing how to use it. I only hoped I hadn’t made the wrong decision.
Bright lights flooded the chamber, forcing me to wince. I narrowed my eyes, scanning every inch of the barren room, realizing the holding cell was also used for storage. Where the hell was I?
There was no pretense, no thudding boots of soldiers storming inside, only one man. As the Scorpion walked closer, his hands behind his back, he studied me intently. He stopped a few feet away, taking a deep breath. He was dressed in all white, the long jacket sweeping his knees. In my mind, he was attempting to appear like a false king.
Instead of a monster.
“I do apologize for your savage treatment, including the heavy dose of drugs,” he said casually, his eyes falling on one of the chains. “I believe three days of sleep is adequate. However, protocol is important to maintain. You were... a fascinating subject.”
“You mean you played a game.”
He laughed, his eyes shimmering. “Yes, I guess I did, and I enjoyed every moment, right up until I was forced to shut down the operation.”
At least one portion of what Annabella had heard from the soldiers was correct.
“Why keep me alive? Why not kill me?”
The Scorpion took a deep breath before pacing back and forth. “That is a good question. Granted, it was unfortunate that your warriors died the way they did. A question for you. Were you aware that the pod you slept in on your ship was used as a prototype?”
I hissed, yanking at the bindings. “You murdered my men.”
“An unfortunate accident. I realized far too late that the scientists I hired to recreate them were... let’s just say I consider them subpar. Thankfully, they were never allowed to bungle another experiment.”
